Governance, Risk & Compliance

Transcription

1 Governance, Risk & Compliance

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3 05 To whom it may concern: A successful company no longer defines itself these days solely by turnover and profit. The way successes are achieved is becoming increasingly important in the public s perception. Only when corporate results are based on ethically flawless conduct will they become a real success in the long run. We produce and sell premium products worldwide; we enter into national and international joint ventures and communicate at high speed beyond spatial and temporal borders. In this dynamic and demanding environment decisions have to be made all the time. An important guide in this decision-making process is Governance, Risk & Compliance. The business unit enables us to act in line with standardized, obligatory structures. For a globally operating company of our size it is therefore a valuable source of guidance. Audi is a strong brand. But not even the strongest brands are invulnerable. Scandals, bad press and a change in public perception can damage even respected companies. Through preventive measures relating to compliance with laws, regulations and values, Governance, Risk & Compliance plays a key part in protecting the Audi brand and our company. As a successful premium brand we must combine corporate visions with responsible actions. My colleagues on the Board and I regard Governance, Risk & Compliance as a partner in our shared mission of delighting customers worldwide. Rupert Stadler Chairman of the Board of Management

4 06 What unites us Audi stands for technical expertise and pioneering design. We are all proud of the innovative technologies and inspired by the fascinating design vocabulary of our products. The tie that binds us all is the boundless passion for Audi. Over many years we have built up a premium brand that stands for Vorsprung durch Technik worldwide. It is this brand that we have to protect.

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7 Protect what you love.

8 15 The things close to our hearts, the things we value most, we try to protect at all times and with all our might. The Audi brand and its products deserve such conscientious protection. Governance, Risk & Compliance s self-appointed task is to safeguard the reputation and success of the Audi brand through ethically impeccable decisions and responsible actions in compliance with rules and regulations. Together with you we want to protect what impresses and inspires us every day. Protect what you love.

9 Governance, Risk & Compliance

10 19 Progressiveness demands appropriate structures

11 20 As a premium automobile manufacturer we strive constantly for technological progress and innovation. This focus on the future is the starting point for our claim to progressiveness: we think ahead and aim with our products to answer questions that have not yet been considered. To do so, we need a clearly defined scope of action. Globalization and digitization have become key aspects of visionary thinking. They enable more and more to be achieved in less and less time. The upshot: spatial and temporal borders become blurred, everything is interconnected. The actions of individuals can thus entail consequences for many. In times of apparent limitlessness it is therefore essential to operate within an obligatory framework. Governance, Risk & Compliance ensures clear guidelines and structures for AUDI AG and its workforce. We provide orientation and are committed to ensuring that decisions are made in keeping with rules and laws. Only in this way can we all develop the products that live up to our claim to progressiveness today and in the future.

12 22 Governance means responsible, transparent company management. In keeping with the prin ciples of the social market economy, ef fec tive Corporate Governance ensures sustainable added value, securing the company s existence. Risk at Audi stands for Central Risk Management. Together with the business units it makes commercial risks transparent early on and helps implement suitable measures for successful risk management. Compliance at Audi means undertaking preventive activities to ensure that each and every employee acts in accordance with laws, internal regulations and self-imposed moral concepts. Governance, Risk & Compliance is your partner for acting responsibly. We cooperate constructively with the vari ous business units and our subsidiaries at home and abroad because we must work together in order to question existing processes and change them.

13 24 Clear lines give guidance Analyze and understand Our work is of a preventive nature. We scrutinize existing regulations and structures, and prevent wayward trends. We discuss with the business units whether every employee knows the hard-and-fast rules and whether those rules are up to date. Assist and advise The aim we actively pursue is to shape corporate processes in an orderly manner. We feel it is important to come up with practicable solutions that make Compliance a living component of the Audi corporate culture. If you have any questions we give you personal advice or point you in the direction of the right person to approach. Inform and explain We explain the meaning and content of internal and external regulations. We make complex circumstances comprehensible and make sure that important information is always up to date and available. We make Compliance-related issues accessible through various channels of communication from the brochure to the intranet.

14 27 Because every decision counts: the Compliance mirror

15 29 Every rule is only good if it is effective when applied. The Compliance mirror is a quick test that enables you to check your decision immediately and to receive guidance on values. 1. Have I weighed up all the relevant factors correctly in my decision? 2. Is my decision in line with legal and internal requirements? 3. Can I stand by my decision if it is questioned by my line manager? 4. Would I advocate that the same decision be reached in all comparable cases throughout the company? 5. Will I still consider my decision correct if Audi has to stand by it in public? 6. Would I accept my decision as someone affected by it? 7. What would my family say about my decision?

16 The Audi Code of Conduct provides further assistance.

17 32 Projecting our image in the right light Our mission is to delight customers worldwide with innovative products, technological expertise and a fascinating brand experience. To achieve this objective we must take responsibility for our actions. It is not just about complying with rules; value-oriented behavior also has a positive impact on the success of the company. The Audi self-perception spirited, passionate, human / fair, responsible, success-oriented is the standard that the brand sets for each and every employee. It forms the basis for our behavior and for implementing our progressive attitude. We are all ambassadors for the Audi brand. Through ethically flawless conduct we help protect the shining reputation of our brand.

18 35 Moving responsibly toward the future

19 37 Acting lawfully is not a disadvantage; instead it creates added value for the company and every individual employee. People who make decisions in keeping with values, rules and laws avert damage to the Audi brand thus securing their own jobs and those of their colleagues in the long run. Acting with integrity when dealing with suppliers and business associates also pays off, because great goals can only be achieved if everyone involved works together. Keep these positive aspects in mind, and you will motivate yourself and others to fight for ethically flawless decisions. If you are uncertain in a given situation, ask us we will assist you. compliance@audi.de

20 38 Governance, Risk & Compliance aims to ensure that action taken at Audi always complies with rules and laws. As ambassadors for good corporate leadership we make risks transparent and indicate alternatives. When we have to, we step in without red tape, impartially and with direct access to the Board. By preventing activities that could harm our reputation we avert damage to the Audi brand and its products. That allows us to keep developing what has driven us since the very beginning: Vorsprung durch Technik.

21 Protect what you love.

22 AUDI AG I/GR Ingolstadt Revised: February 2012